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Theme Statement
The theme statement the story conveys is life is too short to be hesitant in your choices. -
Anne's Diary
Anne receives her diary as a present for her thirteenth birthday from her parents.
This character development has a positive impact on Anne because the diary helps her become more reflective of herself and improve herself as well.
This relates to the central theme because Anne thought that her diary would be useless, but she still wrote to her heart's content. Her diary now helps us in the future learn about her experiences and how we should never repeat this historical event. -
Margot's Call-Up
Margot receives a call-up notice to report for deportation to a forced-labor camp.
This is a turning point because Anne realizes that she is not safe anymore. This changes her direction of being a care-free teenager to a more serious and mature character.
This relates to the theme because Anne never hesitated to hide in the Secret Annex, even though she had to leave almost everything behind. Because she never hesitated, Anne and her family were able to survive throughout most of the war. -
Hiding in the Secret Annex
Anne and her family decide to go into hiding in the building where her father used to work.
This is another turning point because Anne had to leave all that she has ever known to save her life. Her life had definitely become a lot more uncomfortable, but she has also matured and learned a lot quicker.
This relates to the theme because without hiding in the Annex, the Van Daans, Franks, and Dussel wouldn't have had a big chance of survival without quickly hiding from the Nazis during the war. -
The Van Daans' Arrival
The Van Daans have arrived in the Secret Annex a few days after the Franks did.
This is a negative impact on the individual because after these characters are introduced in the book, Anne is shown as very annoying and immature to the Van Daans.
This relates to the theme because the Franks decide to hide another family in the Secret Annex even though it meant double the danger for them. Because they didn't hesitate on taking in another family, three more people were able to live comfortably. -
Anne's New Roommate
Anne gets a new roommate, Mr. Dussel, when everyone wants to take in an eighth person into the Secret Annex.
This is another negative impact on the character because Anne, a teenager, has to share a room with a middle aged man. There are conflicts that arise between them which shows how confident Anne is in her beliefs and doesn't like to listen to others.
This relates to the theme because Anne could have been hesitant on sharing a room with Mr. Dussel, but in the end, it saved another life. -
Anne's First Kiss
Anne receives a kiss from Peter Van Daan on his divan.
This is a positive impact on the individual because Anne had been wanting someone that would listen to her in the Secret Annex. Through Anne and Peter's dialogue, we can tell how reflective and thoughtful she is.
This relates to the theme because Mr. Frank didn't want Anne to be up in Peter's room all the time, but Anne was able to make a friend and maybe a lover as well through her boldness before her life came to an end. -
Beginning of the Invasion
The invasion of English troops have finally begun and hope for liberation is getting stronger.
This is a turning point because Anne was always hoping for liberation, but now she can actually believe the war is coming to an end.
This relates to the theme because Anne was able to stay strong by being positive about the ending of the war and she was able to witness it coming to an end. If she were to continue to hesitate, she would have been in a lot worse mental condition during the war. -
Raided Annex
Someone has tipped off the security police about the Secret Annex and its occupants.
This is another turning point because Anne and the others believe the war is coming to an end until suddenly, police start pounding on the doors. This is the beginning of their doom and yet for the first time they can hope instead of fear.
This relates to the theme because this shows how Anne was able to experience so much in the short time she had because she never hesitated and believed in her instincts.
